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There are chances for grammatical mistakes.....

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ROSALIA'S POV:

As I put away the last piece of my clothing in my suitcase, my mind yet again drifted to the secrets my father had revealed to me, a few hours ago.

Everything seemed to be so chaotic, so messed up. I didn't want that monster. I loved my Albert. He was such a good guy, a goody-two shoes, always a gentleman. His nature was what had attracted me towards him, his willingness to help others, the respect he gave to elders and the affection with which he treated children.

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He had no one in this world. His parents had abandoned him at the very young age of 5 and he grew up in an orphanage.

The head of his orphanage was very strict. He told me that he was beaten for small mistakes or often left to starve as a punishnent. He had never gotten love. He said that I was his everything, his girlfriend, his love, his friends, his family. He didn't had any friends except me and Lucie.

As soon as he turned 18, he started doing odd jobs and rented a small, one-bedroom apartment. Alongside, he continued his studies.

Albert and I had English together and once, he had asked me to help him in his assignment. We both were introduced to each other through that assignment and instantly clicked.

We started hanging out together very often. And soon, we were attracted to each other and fell in love.

Although, he was an introvert and shy, he had proposed me in a restaurant, full of people to make it special for me.

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I clutched my ring in my ring finger as different emotions rushed through my veins. It had become my habit to play with the ring, whenever I was feeling nervous, shy or afraid.

It was the same ring, he had proposed me with. It was simple, yet beautiful and I was too deeply attached to it. Afterall, he had bought it for me from his savings.

I felt like I was betraying him, but I had no other option. I could not put the life of my family in danger for my selfish reasons. Mama and dad had always provided me with everything I had ever wanted and loved me unconditionally, I couldn't be self-centered and build my own world at the stake of their lives.

I didn't knew what excuse to make to Albert, because dad had strictly prohibited me from telling the secret to anyone. So, I decided to leave for Italy like a coward, without informing him anything. I knew, the least I could do was to give him an explanation for breaking his heart, but I was helpless.

I just hope he would find it in his heart to forgive me and move on. Although, the mere thought of him moving on with someone else brought sadness to my heart, I couldn't be a hypocrite when I myself was going to get married.

Getting married to a monster!

Even the thought of him gave me chills. For all I knew, he could cut me into small pieces over a mere mistake, and transport me to a different continent. Afterall, he was a Mafia King, 'Il Diavolo'. He can never possess a heart, he must not even know the meaning of love, gentleness and compassion.

How was I gonna spend my entire life with a man like that? Everytime, I would have to look at my back for any danger from my own husband!

I was doomed for life!

I would surely try to find a way to escape that marriage, without putting anyone's life in danger. Definitely, there had to be a way.

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I was putting away my suitcase, when a knock sounded on my door. The door opened to reveal mama, a conflicted look marring her features.

I asked her quietly, "Do you need anything, mama?"

She hesitantly replied, "I wanted to talk to you, dear."

I nodded my head in reply. She came inside and took a seat on my fluffy bed. She patted the space next to her, gesturing me to sit. I obliged to her wish.

She took my hands into her warm ones and spoke, "Pumpkin, we know it would be difficult for you, but please try and adjust to your new life. I am sure you would get used to it. Also, give Ermanno a chance. Afterall, he is going to be your husband."

I listened to her quietly without a word, because I knew that I could never get used to all that gruesome and cruel ways of life. It was all so merciless. I could not trade my values to adjust into a new life. But, I didn't deny her. She already seemed tensed enough.

Instead I asked her the question which was bugging me, "Mama, when you knew that I had already been betrothed to someone else, why did you or dad never stopped me from dating Albert? "

"Because we wanted to provide you a normal life as long as we could; and that included dating too. Besides, we know that you think you love Albert, but in reality, it is just an infatuation," she calmly answered.

"How can you say like that, mama? I truly love Albert," I asked her feeling hurt by her words.

Mama spoke, "I am your mother, honey. I know how to read you. Besides, there is no point in fretting over Albert. You are going to marry Ermanno and you should think about him. He is going to be your husband. Only he deserves to be loved by you."

"But mama, how can I love a monster? A devil?" I questioned her.

She tried to convince me, "Love is blind, Lia. You will get used to his way of life and you will fall for him eventually. I also fell in love with your father after marriage."

I tried to reason her, "But dad is so sweet. He respects you and loves you so much. He is such a gentleman."

She revealed, "Oh! Believe me, Lia. Your father was no saint. He was also famous for his cold and merciless behaviour. But, a woman's love can change a man. I am sure you can do the same with Ermanno."

I knew in my heart that I could never fall for him. But, I didn't say anything to mama.

Taking my silence as her cue to leave, she kissed my head and left from there.

Whole night, I kept tossing and turning. Sleep was far from my eyes. My mind was conjuring different scenarios. I wanted to escape all the mess so badly. I had never thought of betraying Albert even in my dreams. He would be so heart broken.

Why did grandpa had to do all that to me? Just to gain some powers, he gambled my whole life to a monster. How could he do that to his own granddaughter? Didn't his heart tremble while doing it that to his own blood, for his selfish needs? Didn't he feel ashamed for using me as a bait?

If his heart didn't shudder while doing that to me when I was his own flesh and blood, then how could I expect a stranger to love me or cherish me or protect me? Afterall, they both belonged to the Mafias.

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Next early morning, I left for Italy alone. Dad had some business to finish. So, he stayed back along with mama.

Besides, there were some strict orders from Alessandro that, I would be living with that monster alone in his mansion, sparing his servants. I was also ordered to discard my old sim, so no one could contact me from my old life, except for my parents.

'Such a dictator he was! '

If the grandfather was like that, I could only imagine how the grandson would be!

Not that I want to imagine him, but the cruelty of my fate had bound me with him. And, there was no escape. But I was not going to give up. I would definitely find a way to escape all that without any harm on me or my family. And that was for sure!

Lost in those thoughts in the flight, my eyelids felt heavy and I drifted into a deep slumber. I was woken up by an air hostess, when the flight was about to land.

Thanking her, I buckled up my seatbelt and started preparing myself to meet that monster. Although, it was a futile attempt, because with each passing minute, my heart rate sped up and I was close to having a panic attack.

In all that chaos, the flight finally landed and I knew that, that was it!

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Hello my lovely readers!

So, how was it?

Do you think that she would be able to escape the betrothal?

Poor Albert doesn’t even got a proper goodbye! Lia left him heart broken without any explanation. Was it selfish of her?

Don’t you think both their grandfathers were dictators, ordering around?

Finally, she has landed in Italy. Let’s see what are her reactions seeing her monster! 😜

A huge thank you to each one of you for giving my book, the precious time of your day. It made me extremely elated!🤩🤩

If you liked it, then please motivate me by pressing the star button at the bottom.🌟

I am eagerly looking forward to read your interesting thoughts and expectations from the story. Also, what was on your mind after reading the chapter.💭🗯

Also, please share it among your friends if you like the book. It would be really helpful of you guys!😇

Till then,

Keep smiling,

~A...